Raptors

October celebrates National #RaptorMonth. Raptors are birds that either hunt and eat their prey, which varies from insects to small rodents, or those that scavenge and eat carrion. Raptors are known for their speed, strength, sharp talons, and curved beaks. The Raptor classification includes two orders:

Falconiformes—Daytime hunters that include eagles, condors, buzzards, kites, caracaras, osprey, harriers, accipiters, vultures, secretary birds, falcons, hawks, and bateleurs. 

Stringiformes—Any form of owl.

Wings to Soar

This past summer while visiting my son in Chattanooga, TN, I visited Rock City, Georgia and was pleasantly surprised to find a raptor show within the gardens. The show was put on by the Wings to Soar husband and wife duo who operate a raptor rescue based in Trenton, Geogia. Within the show, Dale and John carried birds through the entire audience, giving each person an up-close view of a falcon, hawk, owls, and the comedic buzzard, Cayce. They also sent a few flying over our heads, so close I could feel the breeze. You can see their entire line-up here. Wings to Soar Family – Wings To Soar (soarsouth.org)

I took a couple notes: “The Harrison Hawk is referred to as the wolf of the air.”

“Falcons have black lines under their eyes, which athletes mimic, to reduce glare.”

Wings to Soar website reads: “Wings to Soar’s mission is to create awareness about the vital role birds of prey play in the natural world. Through our interactive outreach programs, we take environmental education to new heights. In our free flying raptor programs, we give our audience a unique opportunity to view birds of prey.

Here are couple pictures I managed to take in between watching the show.

Raptors in Hidden Truths

For me, story development happens in layers. My fascination with raptors grew as the plot for Hidden Truths deepened and the red-shouldered hawk became symbolic. In the beginning, the hawk Ellie Mae rescues was simply a way to show her passion for wild animals. The owl’s screech was simply a nighttime noise. As the plot matured, the hawk became a symbol for freedom found in truth. In the end, the family releases the hawk while celebrating the Fourth of July. I didn’t plan that, but when I realized what was happening, I used the symbol of the hawk to enhance the theme throughout. Also, in one of the beginning chapters of Hidden Truths, the owl’s screech is merely a nighttime noise (and that remains). However, as the story developed, owl cries were used in Bigfoot mimicry. A way for the creatures to communicate without being discovered. Only a person well-versed in Nun’Yunu’Wi (Bigfoot) lingo would know the difference.

What is National #RaptorMonth

October celebrates raptors. The National Holiday Calendar website states: “Use #RaptorMonth to post to social media. Another great way to celebrate these amazing birds is to learn a little bit more about them by reading [on the topic]. If you’re not big into reading, you can donate to the protection of, and education about raptors and other birds.”

You Can Help. And Get a Free Bookmark With Original Designs by Mel Cabre

I thought it might be fun to donate a portion of my sales in October (including presales) to a raptor rescue. I haven’t fully decided on which one. There is a local rescue close to home (The Glen Helen Raptor Center Glen Helen | Raptor Center | Bird Rehabilitation) that I’m considering as well as Wings to Soar. You can help me raise funds by preordering a copy of Hidden Truths. Ebook is available now. The print version will be available on October 15, 2023. In addition, if you show me your receipt, I’ll send you a Red-Shouldered Hawk bookmark designed by Mel Cabre. You can email the picture of your receipt to tammeramart@tammeramart.com.

Is there a raptor rescue that you are familiar with? Have you ever been to a raptor show? If so, which bird was your favorite? Can you think of a neat way to celebrate #RaptorMonth?

Thank you for reading!

–Tammera